Centrino2
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Acer claims Aspire 5738DG as its first 3D laptop, we worry over the future of things
3D theaters? Okay, that's acceptable. 3D HDTVs? Sure, go ahead and waste your dollars inventing something that no one's asking for. But 3D laptops? We're pretty sure the line was somewhere back there, and now it's been decidedly crossed. Acer's Aspire 5738DG (not to be confused with the two-dee Aspire 5738PG) is the company's first portable machine to utilize its 3D CineReal technology, which is little more than a "3D coating" on the display that gives off mind-bending effects when viewed with a pair of polarized eyeglasses. The 2D-to-3D conversion takes place thanks to the bundled TriDef 3D Experience software (meaning that no special GPU is needed), and while we are told that the rig will be based around a Centrino 2 platform with up to 4GB of RAM, the only other information we're given is a NZ$1,999 ($1,484) price tag. Now, if only we could decide if laughing or crying would be the appropriate reaction here...[Via Pocket-lint]
Samsung's Centrino 2-powered Q320 and R522 caught on display
Dutch-based portablegear has managed to get a close-up look at Samsung's Intel Centrino 2-packing laptops, the 13.4-inch Q320 and 15.6-inch R522, and boy are they a beaut. The former's sporting an NVIDIA GeForce G105M and three USB ports, while the latter uses an unknown graphics card, four USB ports, and an USB/eSata combo. Both feature Intel Windows Vista Home Premium and six-cell batteries. While UK site Register Hardware pegged the release date for sometime this month, pg says they're due out sometime in May or June, and neither give any indication of a release window for US. We've also got a mention here of laptops R620 and R720, but unfortunately we've got no information on the models beyond that.Read - On displayRead - Official specs
G2 Microsystems demoes Intel My WiFi Personal Area Network
G2 Microsystems has just announced a rather sweet near-range technology that will enable products like headphones, speakers, etc. to connect directly to Intel My WiFi-enabled laptops sans fuss. The company's device is hailed as a "fully calibrated WiFi networking module" that can speak directly to an Intel My WiFi, Centrino 2-based computer. Ideally, users will eventually be able to quickly print and sync between digiframes and photo archives, and the ultra-low power draw should keep batteries happy. Now, the real question: anyone stepping up to spearhead adoption?
Leaked Intel roadmap shows Centrino 2 bump just before Calpella hits
Intel's Montevina mobile processors will get a significant bump in the 2nd quarter of 2009 with the 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo T9900, and the 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo P8800. A completely separate, slightly more suspect Digitimes rumor tells of a possible Core 2 Quad Q9600 CPU of unknown speed and power. Regardless, we won't get to bask in their awesomeness for very long, as the switchover to the Calpella platform (and Clarksfield) will follow quickly in the 3rd quarter of 2009. Will the rumor-mill never cease to torture us? [Via Electronista]Read - Intel Clarksfield & Ibex Peak-M Chipsets In Q3 '09Read - Intel planning Montevina Refresh
Fujitsu's LifeBook P8020 12.1-inch ultraportable wars against the dreaded screen bezel
From what we can tell, Fujitsu's spent the industrial design budget for the LifeBook P8020 on one thing and one thing only: trimming those sides. We really do love to see a laptop with a keyboard and screen flush with the edges, seemingly wasting zero space. The resulting product is a tad chubby (1.1- to 1.5-inches) and lacks a certain charm, but there's all sorts of goodies under the hood, and the 2.9 pound weight is certainly passable. The 12.1-inch ultraportable packs a Centrino 2 processor, 320GB HDD (or a 64GB or 128GB SSD), 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, gigabit Ethernet, a fingerprint reader, DVD burner, gesture-friendly trackpad and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. There's also a 6-cell battery and no 3G to drain it, so you should be able to expect some decent battery life when this hits in November, with a starting price of $1,799.[Via SlashGear]
Fujitsu-Siemens quietly intros Stylistic ST6012 tablet PC
Now that we think about it, it's been a hot minute since we've seen a new Stylistic tablet flow from the doors of Fujitsu-Siemens, but it has finally hit back with a new unit to keep the family alive. The Centrino 2-based ST6012 has been revealed on the firm's website without much fanfare, though the specs are decent enough. We're talking a Core 2 Duo SU9400 ULV processor, 12.1-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) non-glare display, up to 4GB of RAM, optional WiFi / WWAN / Bluetooth modules, your choice of a 64GB SSD / 120GB to 320GB HDD, a built-in multicard reader, biometric scanner and a rather industrial motif. Mum's the word on a price and release, and quite honestly, we can't imagine those details ever being blasted from the rooftops.[Via TabletPCReview]
Sprint and Intel signing up Baltimore-area XOHM testers
Back in June, we heard that Sprint would be going live with its XOHM WiMAX service in Baltimore, um, this month. As of today, it's pretty clear that the service won't be rolled out fully before October dawns, but at least some progress is being made. Based on a survey sent out to select (read: lucky) Baltimore-area residents, it seems that Intel and Sprint are willing to give away free laptops in order to trial the XOHM service in the city. Unfortunately, the lappies won't even be given out until late October, and the trial itself is set to last 30 days, so frankly, we'll be lucky to see XOHM hit the general populace before Santa takes to the friendly skies. Though, why are we not surprised?[Thanks, Anonymous]
Lenovo's ThinkPad X301 gets reviewed
We all know the X300 was fairly widely praised, though that price tag was mighty prohibitive. Still, if you've got the coin to play around with ultrathin ultraportables, the X301 is a welcome upgrade. According to Laptop Mag, the Centrino 2 platform and built-in DisplayPort made an "already excellent machine even better." Most of the basics from the X300 are still here, but critics couldn't help but swoon over the new inclusions. Regrettably, the battery life was said to be an hour or two short for their liking, so it sounds as if you'll want to factor in an extra pack if you're the type who strays from power outlets. Hit the read link for the full rundown, just don't expect anything out of the ordinary.
ASUS launches a slew of new laptops
ASUS took a break from cranking out an endless series of Eee PCs to revamp some of its traditional laptop lines today, here's what you need to know: B50A business laptop: 15.4-inch screen, Penryn Core 2 Duos on Intel's GM45 Express chipset with ASUS's Expressgate SplashTop implementation and integrated X4500 graphics, max 4GB RAM and 320GB drive, spill-resistant keyboard, Bluetooth, WiFi, dual-layer burner, 1.3 megapixel webcam. F8 laptops (pictured): 14.1-inch WXGA screen, Penryn Core 2 Duos with 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 graphics with Express Gate, TV tuner with remote control, up to 4GB RAM and a 320GB drive, 1.3 megapixel swivel webcam, five available colors. F6 "scented" laptops: 13.3-inch screen, lids feature five available graphics and fragrances (really), Penryn Core 2 Duos with 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 graphics with Express Gate, TV tuner with remote control, up to 4GB RAM and a 320GB drive, fingerprint scanner. G71V and G50V "Republic of Gamers" laptops: 17-inch (G71) and 15-inch (G50) gaming laptops with up to Intel Core 2 Quad QX9300 processors and 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT graphics, 4GB of RAM, 2x 500GB hard drives, dual-layer burner, 2.0 megapixel swivel webcam, LED lighting effects, gaming hotkeys. No pricing or ship dates yet, but we'll get you those as they come in. Read - B50A Read - F8 Read - F6 Read - G71V and G50V [Via i4u, thanks Vinit]
MacBook Air to get 'imminent' speed bump?
PhoneNews claims they can "confirm" that Apple will speed-bump the MacBook Air with a Penryn-class Intel Core 2 Duo processor, increasing the clock speed to 2 GHz and up. The story also notes that, since the processor requires more power, the Air will ship with a higher-capacity battery and 60-watt power adapter. Engadget goes further, noting that clock speeds could (theoretically) reach 3.06GHz. Also, they speculate that the Air could feature improved integrated graphics if it adopts the Intel Centrino 2 chipset. Alternatively, Engadget notes that Intel plans to release several flavors of low-voltage Penryn chips in September, which might indeed be slated for the MacBook Air. Using these chips, however, would decrease the power requirements noted by PhoneNews, not increase them. PhoneNews says national retailers have been alerted "to be prepared for the upgrade." This may be part of several laptop announcements rumored to be happening in September. [Via IGM.]
MSI gets official with Centrino 2-based GX620 / GX720 gaming laptops
MSI has clearly been busy with its Wind here lately, but that doesn't mean it has forgotten entirely about the gaming crowd. The 15.4-inch GX620 and 17-inch GX720 were both made official today, even though they made their debut at CeBIT. Now that the specifications are nailed down, here's what you're looking at: an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA's 512MB GeForce 9600M GT, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 2-megapixel webcam, gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, a 320GB SATA drive, an optional Blu-ray drive, 6-cell battery and the usual assortment of ports. Sadly, there's no mention of prices just yet, but click on past the break for the full release.
Sony's 16.4-inch VAIO FW laptop gets previewed
Maybe it's the 16.4-inch panel, or maybe it's the built-in Blu-ray drive. Whatever it is, Sony's VAIO FW has garnered quite a bit of attention. Just a fortnight after getting (extra) official, this nimble monster made its way into the loving arms of NotebookReview, where critics couldn't resist giving us a sneak peek before penning the fleshed-out review. We'll just get it out there -- initial impressions are really positive. Fit, finish and build quality were all deemed "excellent," and the overall design was dubbed "beautiful." Performance seemed to be above par during limited testing, though the screen is apt to be one of those love it or hate it ordeals. Check out the read link if for nothing more than a couple more shots.Update: CNET has a full review of the unit.
HP set to launch the Compaq 2730p Centrino 2 tablet PC
According to our friends at AVING, HP is set to launch a business-themed tablet PC with Intel's Centrino 2 on-board. The device -- dubbed the Compaq 2730p -- will be an update to the 2710p, and will feature a 12.1-inch WXGA display, a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo L9400 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, a GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics chipset, and Windows Vista... of course. No word on a price or release date, but plenty of handsome pictures if you hit the read link.[Thanks, Elais]
Panasonic loads Centrino 2 into Toughbook CF-52 / CF-74
We're beginning to wonder if Panny's long-standing CF-52 and CF-74 will ever be replaced, but so long as folks keep biting, we suppose there's nothing wrong with perpetual makeovers. As with nearly every other laptop manufacturer, Panasonic has also decided it prudent to freshen up the aforesaid pair of Toughbooks with larger hard drives, 802.11n WiFi, expanded graphics capabilities and Intel's Centrino 2 platform. Aside from that, you can still expect the same rugged exterior, shock-mounted HDD and spill-resistant keyboard, but you'll pay dearly for those safeguards. Both the 15.4-inch CF-52 and 13.3-inch CF-74 will be available next month starting at $1,949 and $3,199, respectively.
Maingear prepping mammoth Centrino 2-based eX-L gaming laptop
For those who won't even glance in the general direction of a gaming laptop unless it weighs in at 12+ pounds, you'll probably be unable to take your retinas off of Maingear's forthcoming beast. Word on the street has it that the aptly-titled eX-L will posses a potent 3.06GHz Core 2 Extreme X9100 CPU, which will predictably be overclocked by an undisclosed amount. Graphically, we're told to expect a couple of ATI GPUs or a single NVIDIA unit, while the 17-inch display, built-in speakers (with subwoofer) and 802.11n WiFi are pretty much par for the course. Pricing and availability details are still being withheld, but it sounds like this one won't be coming your way cheap.
OCZ announces Centrino 2-based "whitebook" reference design for rebranders
All the big names might have gotten their Centrino 2 lappies out the door today, but there hasn't been much action from the shady rebranders and fly-by-night system builders we love so dearly -- good thing OCZ is here with its Centrino 2-based OCZNBIM17A "whitebook" reference design. Get ready to see this bad boy appear in the back of vans everywhere with random company names on it -- you'll recognize the 17-inch laptop's boxy shape and available X9100 Core 2 Extreme processor, or perhaps the dual CrossFire-capable graphics slots with HDMI output will tip you off. Pricing will vary wildly depending on how various system builders configure this thing, but we've got a feeling generic doesn't mean cheap when it comes to this particular machine.
Medion dips its toes into the Centrino 2 waters with Akoya S5610
It may be small change compared to the batches of Centrino 2 laptops some other manufacturers are trotting out, but Medion apparently isn't about to let the launch go by without throwing its hat in the ring, and it's now debuted its first entry: the 15.4-inch Akoya S5610 laptop. This one looks like it'll be able to hold its own, however, with it packing a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo P7350 processor, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 graphics with 256MB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and 3GB of RAM as standard, plus the usual perks like a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a fingerprint reader. No word on a release 'round these parts, but those in the UK will be able to get their hands one on by the end of this month for £600 (or about $1,200).
Fujitsu keeps the Centrino 2 party going with six new LifeBooks
It looks like the Centrino 2 train just keeps on rolling, and Fujitsu's now hopped on board with six new LifeBooks in tow, including a pair of convertible tablets. That latter duo consists of the enterprise class LifeBook T5010, the successor to Fujitsu's T4220, and the slightly less security minded LifeBook T1010, both of which boast 13.3-inch displays and all the usual Centrino 2-related goodies. On the non-convertible front, Fujitsu has the 15.4-inch LifeBook A6210 (pictured above), the Centrino 2 vPro-supporting LifeBook E8420, and a pair of thin-and-light 14-inchers, the LifeBook S6520 and LifeBook S7220, each of which weigh in around four pounds. From the looks of it, the whole lot is available now, with the exception of the vPro editions of the LifeBook T5010 and LifeBook E8420, which are set to follow in 30 days.
Acer hops on Centrino 2 train, brings along lots of TravelMate / Aspire lappies
The Centrino 2 bandwagon is all but overflowing, but apparently there's still room for Acer. Announced today, the outfit has revealed four new Aspire laptops along with five TravelMates with the aforesaid platform at the helm. The TravelMate 6293, 5730, 7730, 6593, and 6493 all come with WWAN options, Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4GB of RAM, integrated WiFi and a wide range of HDDs, graphics cards and other hardware. Per usual, mum's the word on dollars and cents, but feel free to pass the time in the photo gallery waiting down there in the read link.[Via Laptop]
Centrino 2 laptop parade continues as Samsung throws out a few
It's almost over folks -- at least, that's what we're continuing to tell ourselves. Anyways, Sammy has decided to follow in the footsteps of practically everyone else in the laptop realm by revealing a few newcomers over in South Korea. Granted, we already knew that a few of these were coming, but now we've got actual units with Photoshopped screen savers to prove their existence. Ready? Let's go. We've got the Centrino 2-based 12.1-inch Q210, 13.1-inch Q310, 14.1-inch R460, 15.4-inch R510 / R560 and 17-inch R710 on the consumer side, while the P210, P460, P461, P510 and P560 make up the business crowd. A few more lovely images are waiting in the read link, though no price / release dates accompany them.[Thanks, Khattab]
